East Brunswick Mayor David Stahl Turns Republican

East Brunswick Mayor David Stahl has announced his decision to switch political parties and run for state Senate as a Republican.

Stahl made the announcement on his home turf Tuesday.

He was surrounded by party leaders who believe the newly minted Republican can claim the seat now held by Democrat Barbara Buono.

Buono had to give up the seat to seek her party's nomination to run for governor against Gov. Chris Christie.

Stahl is the first mayor to switch parties to run with Christie. Two Democratic mayors have endorsed Christie without changing parties.

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)